Cornish Couple Struck by Car, Seriously Injured in Florida

Cornish — Residents are rallying to help the family of a well-known couple who were seriously injured nearly two weeks ago after being hit by a car while crossing the street in Florida.

A fundraiser to assist the daughters of Ray and Teri Grace has brought in more than $10,000. The Graces were on vacation in Sarasota and were crossing the street around 7 p.m. on Feb. 24 when they were struck by a vehicle and transported to Blake Medical Center in West Bradenton, Fla.

Careless driving charges could be filed in the incident, which remains under investigation, said Genevieve Judge, spokeswoman for the Sarasota Police Department. The Graces were not in a marked crosswalk, Judge said.

“We’re just overwhelmed by how much support we’ve been given,” said Kelley Grace, the couple’s daughter. “We were just blown away by how much support there is in the community. It really shows a lot of love for our parents.”

The $10,000 has been raised on YouCaring.com . The organizer of the fundraiser is not identified. The website said donations are meant to help with expenses for the Graces’ three grown daughters, who have traveled to Florida to be with their parents.

A Facebook page has also been started in support of the Graces’ recovery and has more than 50 members.

Kelley Grace said her father has been discharged from the hospital. Her mother has started to emerge from a coma, Grace said.

“We’re just staying hopeful,” Kelley Grace said. “We’re all being optimistic right now, and we’ll take it day by day and help her through the rehab.”

While her father has multiple injuries, Kelley Grace said she’s been impressed with his recovery. “He’s a fighter. They both are,” she said.

Steve Taylor, of Meriden, said Ray Grace is a longtime UPS driver with a route in Cornish, Meriden and Plainfield.

“He’s a son of Plainfield,” Taylor said. “He knew everybody. He’s just a sweet guy, always a nice smile, accommodating and helpful.”

Merilynn Bourne, the executive director of Listen Community Services and a Cornish resident, said Ray Grace was known for his job, and his friendly smile.

“If it’s a family that’s in your town, and you know just one of the family members and there is a problem, of course you want to reach out and help,” Bourne said. “That’s what good neighbors do.”